Shopping Bag
There’s nothing quite like sitting on a dock, tying on your favorite lure, and casting a line into the still water. Just you, the open sky, and whatever decides to bite. Now that’s a perfect day…unless you forget your fishing sunglasses. We’re not here to rain on your parade, but without the proper sunglasses, you’re kind of shortchanging the day (and your eyes). Look, we get. That last thing you’re probably thinking about is eyewear when there are lots of fish snare. But listen up–eye protection is important when it comes to outdoor sports like fishing.
You want the best catch of the day, which means you’re clocking three or more hours on the water, eyes locked on the surface, waiting for the perfect bite. But here’s the real catch: during all that time, the sun is bouncing off the water and beaming straight into your eyes, exposing you to high levels of UVA and UVB exposure. This can lead to irritation, swelling, and pain.
Nothing ruins a fishing streak like being sidelined for days. The fix? A solid pair of fishing sunglasses to help make sure your eyes are protected at all times, so you can focus on the reel deal without the surface glare!
Don’t know where to start? We don’t blame you. After all, there are so many options and specialty features available. Let us help you out. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind while picking your perfect pair.
Lens clarity: Different lens colors and materials affect your vision. Pick a pair of lenses that increase your visual definition outdoors so you can go fishing without the worry that you’re missing some stacked areas of water. Amber, yellow, and blue are popular picks.
Polarization: These lenses reduce the intensity of the light glare hitting your eyes, making it easier to see beneath the surface. By cutting through water reflections, they enhance visual depth, helping you spot what’s happening below the waterline more clearly, without the eye strain.
Fit and comfort: Your sunglasses should fit your noggin. You don’t want to have sunnies that are constantly slipping off, exposing you to sunbeams intermittently. Don’t let flimsy or ill-fitting frames distract you from a good angling session. It’s important to consider comfort, too. Sunglasses that are too tight can cause pain and headaches, reducing your desire to wear them, which ends with you in the same conundrum you started with. Too much light exposure and too little eye protection. A giant no-no.
Durability: Buy a pair of peepers made out of long-lasting, quality materials. That way, the next time you’re shopping for sunglasses, it’ll be for a fresh new style, not a replacement.
Not all fishing sunglasses are created equal because not all fishing styles are the same. Let’s jump into the nitty-gritty of which fishing sunglasses work best for each type of angler.
Freshwater fishing takes you to lakes, rivers, or streams in search of your next big jumper. For these shallow waters, we’d recommend copper or amber lenses. Pro tip: go for wraparound frame design, so that no matter how much time you need to put into the hunt, the sun won’t get past your sunglasses, no matter its position up above.
Saltwater fishing is for those who brave the strong waves at sea to catch snapper, yellowtail, and mackerel. Out on the open sea, your gear can take a beating, and your sunglasses are no exception. Opt for frames with non-corrosive materials to withstand saltwater spray and prevent rust. Even better? Look for a hydrophobic lens coating to keep water droplets from speckling your view.
Fly fishing employs handmade lures, as opposed to live bait, to replicate natural objects like mayflies or midges in the environment. These fishermen often find themselves wading knee deep into the water, which is why this activity requires sunglasses with polarized lenses to help you see more detail in the water and ensure you don’t slip. You might also reach for yellow lenses, which are especially helpful in low-light conditions. They boost visibility in shadier waters—perfect for early morning or late evening fishing trips.
Out on the water, things can get humid fast, causing your sunglasses to fog up and making it nearly impossible to accurately monitor weather conditions or track lure movement. You might have the best lenses for angling, but if they’re fogged over, they’re not doing you any good.
To stay ahead of the haze, we recommend getting a pair of sunnies that offer ventilation so you don’t have to constantly wipe your sunglasses in the middle of a fishing trip. And speaking of the elements, it can get pretty hot depending on the season and your location. Look for sunglasses with an oleophobic coating, which helps sweat slide right off the lenses, making them easier to clean and more comfortable to wear all day.
While we’re on the subject of unpredictable conditions, let's not forget one real possibility: your sunglasses ending up in the water. Whether it’s a rogue wave, a wrestling match with your rod, or just one clumsy move, it happens. That’s why sunglasses with floating capabilities are a game-changer. They make it so much easier to fish out of the water after a tumble without having to go diving to find them. It’s a great feature to have just in case those moments ever arise.
Our all-performance sunglasses are built for everything, from reeling in the Loch Ness Monster to grabbing post-catch drinks with the crew. goodr sunglasses come with quality polarized lenses, maximum protection (UV400), lightweight frames, and a special grip-coated frame to eliminate slippage when sweating. Plus, these sunglasses are versatile, so you can wear ‘em for other water sports!
When you’re out at sea, function is important, but who’s to say you can’t be the catch of the day, too? Our sunglasses add flair to your water adventures. With plenty of variety and levels of style to choose from, we stand apart from the rest of the brands (and are proud of it). After all, sunglasses are your best companion when having fun in the sun, so they’re meant to dazzle not fade into the background.
Here are some sunglasses recommendations that pack performance and stand out style into a pair:
These mirrored teal lens sunglasses can handle both bright sun and reflective glare while offering decent contrast when out in open water.
The perfect wraparound shades with blue reflective lenses. These don’t just offer extra coverage, they offer clarity and are a top choice among anglers for deep-sea or offshore fishing. They cut glare from open water while keeping color true. Plus, they’re stylish!
You can never go wrong with a classic pair of aviator sunglasses. These gradient amber lens sunglasses are perfect for freshwater, shallow water, and variable light conditions! Your hero when spotting fish in muddy or weedy waters.
We leave you now with hopefully a lot more information than you had before about the best fishing sunglasses. Remember, when choosing the right pair of fishing sunglasses, focus on lens clarity, polarization, fit and comfort, and overall durability. Pay special attention to the lens color to match the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Also consider weather conditions and worst-case scenarios for additional protection from your perfect pair of sunglasses, like taking an unexpected dip. Finally, browse our lineup of sunnies for comfort, clarity, and long days on the water. Find your perfect pair and fish like you mean it.
Got another water sport you need the perfect pair of sunglasses for? Shop the rest of our styles!
THE SUNNIES THAT STARTED IT ALL
THE STORY BEHIND THE SHADES
